As some of us are aware, there is a real change that is taking place in people’s vocabulary and ways of communicating that has been of considerable concern to me last year.Some trends you may not have noticed yet – we all should know.
That’s wicked, I like it!(That’s really good, I like it.)
What makes this recipe insanely good?(What makes this recipe so delicious, it’s so good?)
I’ve been crazy, I’m going really crazy.(I’ve been really busy, I’m getting so busy, I’ve little time for anything.)
Someone reaches the end of a busy day and says “I’m wrecked!” Really? Do you know what you’re speaking over yourself?
You should try this recipe, it’s damn delicious!(You should try this recipe, it’s really delicious!)
Damn has to do with damnation, there’s nothing good about that.
What do we see here? A word to make something bad sound good in the English Language! Westerners are doing this in USA and UK, especially in Australia. I’m not sure about other language speaking countries. I’m certain that TV (Television) is used to promote it to a large extent and the youth are leading the way with it, bringing it to different age groups often at home because one hears this change of language a lot or feels compelled to use it or go along with it to keep acceptance with the young. Before we know it, our vocabulary has changed,if we are not careful.
I’m speaking about a tendency to talk about or describe (something) in a way that makes it seem more pleasant or acceptable than it is and also Good things made out to sound bad. There is a certain peer pressure at times, to shun what is Good rather than Evil. It’s concerning I know and it does not only target the young but mostly – they are quick to catch on and spread it.
This is Changing the use of words — usually to the point that the modern meaning is‘radically different’ from the original use. Yes, it’s change of a word’s sense and concept to the opposite, e.g., bad in the slang sense of “good”. Word changes are increasing and often origins are forgotten. So what words from long ago carry a very different meaning today? Here are some:
“Bad,” said Nancye Hernsmith.“Bad” used to describe someone who had done something wrong OR something that was poor in quality. Today, it also means “good” or “great” when used as slang.
(And “breaking bad” means to challenge conventions and defy authority.)
“Sick… now is a good thing,” said Angel Matuszak Novie.“Sick” used to mean ill. Today, it also means something is really amazing.
As you can see, it’s twisted and distorted, to the point that when you hear it for the first time you wonder what someone is talking about or where did that come from!?
Both words here are used to praise Evil……….part of our vocabulary is being hijacked, you could say, to mean something it’s not. It took place 2-3 centuries ago and it’s taking place again!
When you look at God’s Word, this is important because The Lord places such an importance on the words of our mouths. Several Scriptures speak about that.
Part of the same Phenomena
This is also Prevalent
Sugar-coating is a term that could be used — if a book is “sugar-coating” teenage drinking, it is taking something negative and adding a superficial positive sheen. Merriam-Webster: to talk about or describe (something) in a way that makes it seem more pleasant or acceptable than it is.
Euphemism: A mild or pleasant word or phrase that is used instead of one that isunpleasant or offensive.
Glamorizing is another — to glamorize is to take something that is neutral, or maybenegative, and imbue it with more of a glamorous aspect than it might deserve. Oxford: Make (something) seem glamorous or desirable, especially spuriously so.
In other words, it’s false and misleading, it’s fabricated and fallacious and dangerous really, when you think how seriously people are taking to this phenomena. It’s an attempt to shape the mindsets of men and women and young people. It’s a masquerade of Evil claiming to be good in a day where religion has really put a lot of people off. It’s almost as if people are going through a negative mixed-up healing process, rather than true healing – that is to know JESUS, He brings TRUE FREEDOM.
Sad to say, they have not seen this in the lives of Christians because if they did, many would run to rather than away from Christ. Like Israel, “(we have) made Him a by-word among the nations and they (say) where is (our) God?” So they are going for anything that sounds positive basically but it’s negative actually, full-bent. Some Christians can see clearly what’s going on but others are not very perceptive. We are supposed to know the difference between Good and Evil in a confused world__ we should not be compromising with our vocabularies or our actions, to fit in with Society around us. The world won’t want our Christ as long as we speak and act like them.
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What people are caught up in is a form of whitewashing, justifying, condoning and excusing. In a sense, it glosses over sin and promotes it. With our mouths, we make known what we approve of and what we don’t. We also meet God’s approval in our speech or we don’t.
So you can be sure this is of paramount importance, we are speaking about here – oh yes! “For God who commanded the Light to shine out of darkness has shone in our hearts through Christ Jesus.”
We are called to be Children of the Day! Yet many are asleep in the Light.
We are nearing the time of Christ’s Return and “once again there will be a distinction between the righteous and the unrighteous.”
The type of slang and glamorizing you are reading about in this article (and similar) belong out of our vocabulary with swearing and filthy language. I’ve met a number of Christians who think it’s ok to swear if they get angry and feel like it. I’m not judging anyone but His Word will when He Comes. “We will all stand before the Judgement Seat of Christ – at the End of Days – and give an account for what we do (and say) now.”
What we have among the young today in this generation is Euphemism: A mild or pleasant word or phrase that is used instead of one that is unpleasant or offensive. “Merriam Webster” where they are encouraged to destigmatize: to remove associations of shame or disgrace from themselves or what is being presented to them.
That dulls the conscience (a faculty of our spirit) and is a definite glorification of evil. Bible said this would be “a wicked and perverse generation where we (are supposed to) Shine Out as Children of Light” among people in the world: Not to be look alike, speak alike, sin alike etc Mind you, the young are not the only ones being affected in the throws of this – you only have to hear some of the TV Variety Programs to know that and some of the conversations of people in their 40s – 60sin public places.
An accompanying phenomena I’ve noticed – and experienced – is exaggerated praise,where someone will give you far more praise than is due for something and use extravagance in expressing how good you are/were at something. It’s not balanced, and it doesn’t feel right hearing it – I knew there was something wrong and couldn’t put my finger on it because this girl was a beautiful Christian with real values!
And now the Holy Spirit has led me to part of this discovery here in the same article as some excerpts above. I found the following:
Someone commented “there are a few other words that – at least in one of their meanings – specifically convey undeserved or excessive praise.” All definitions/links from http://www.oxforddictionaries.com. Example sentences are mine….
- aggrandise: enhance the reputation of (someone) beyond what is justified by the facts – “the book aggrandised the reckless, wanton behaviour”
- dignifies: Give an impressive name to (someone or something unworthy of it) – “the book dignifies drunkenness as some manifestation of personal freedom”
- idealise: Regard or represent as perfect or better than in reality
Other comments are:
Talking it up – Dressing it up – Putting it in a good light
Exalting and Extenuating
Truth bending and Innocenting Roseglassing – as in through rose-colored glasses!
It’s really been in my heart about these things for sometime recently and I’ve had the go ahead to write about it after a week of provocation – things that have come up that cause distress to the Holy Spirit.
My brothers and sisters, doesn’t our Bible say not to grieve Him? Better to stop now than find out later, hey? No I am not perfect but “we do have this Treasure in earthen vessels (let’s) show that the excellence of the Power belongs to Him” by living like Him. If you feel inadequate to do that “the Word of The Lord is Perfect, converting the soul” that’s our mind, will and emotions. Our spirit is saved but it’s also as strong as the amount (or quality) of time we spend in His Word and His Presence.
The Salvation of our Soul is a gradual process.
Friends, two provocations I had this last week came through two really nice people I know who are what I considered to be godly Christians and I don’t say that lightly. They seem to really love The Lord!
The first person was really upset in no small way after several months of abuse on the work scene that literally affected the physical health of her feet and knees – they were aware she had needs in that area – I could say more in her defense. It isn’t the first time people have made use of her and she extended the Love of God in the face of all that. She also has a passion for hearing The Lord’s voice over man’s in her heart and life.
Three times, she used the B_____ word and apologized.
Believe me, she is the sweetest thing ever and takes her walk with Jesus very seriously. Half of her upset was for dear elderly people she cannot help now she loved so very dearly.
The second person is also a very dedicated full-on Christian who is passionate about God and her gifting and she uses it to the best of her ability to benefit everyone she can.She enjoys her God and her work, always giving Him the praise and credit for her accomplishments that are remarkable!
She runs a recipe website and certain things in extension to that.A few days ago, I was in shock when I noticed her use a term I’ve never heard before.It was Vegan Food Porn.
I was completely baffled as to why she would use that term in her presentation Online.A few days later, I checked the meaning for the last two words and found a confirmation of something the Spirit of God showed me after what I read, that it is a worldly term, accepted out there and she apparently thought it would be ok to use it.
Here’s what Google links said:
Food Porn: images that portray food in a very appetizing or aesthetically appealing way.ie “I waste hours looking at food porn online”
Urban Dictionary says: Close-up images of juicy, delicious food in advertisements.Wikipedia says: a glamorized visual presentation of cooking or eating in advertisements, infomercials, blogs cooking shows or other visual media. You can find a short history of how that phenomena commenced in the link for the following article.
What ‘Food Porn’ Does to the Brain What’s the psychological appeal of looking at food that can’t be tasted? HERE
We Are Called Not To Be Like The World
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In this article, can you see the need for Godly Thoughts and Speech, Godly Terms?Lets meditate on His Words.
“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”(Psalm 119:11)
Who Shall Dwell on Your Holy Hill?Psalm 15:1-31 O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill? 2He who walks with integrity,and works righteousness,And speaks truth in his heart. 3 He does not slander with his tongue or does evil to his neighbor, or takes up a reproach against his friend.
Taming the Tongue James 3:1-4
1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, ableto controlhiswholebody. 3 When we put bits into the mouths of the horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go.
The Excellence of WisdomProverbs 8:6-8
6 “Listen, for I will s to my lips. 8 “All the utterances of my mouth are in righteousness; There is nothing crooked or perverted in them.Turning from Evil
Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.11 He must turn away from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.
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Just after the second incident that concerned me last week, The Lord said to me “You have addressed Preachers’ blind spots recently in the Blog. How about Christians?”
That leads me to this question He gave me for you, no matter how godly you may be.
I ask myself as well and that is:
“WHAT IS YOUR EXCEPTION?”
What exception/exceptions do you make in your walk with God? And How much do you love JESUS?
I am back to complete this post with some Scriptures that
would be good to consider.It’s amazing how often we read our Bible and what we miss.Maybe this way they can “leap off the page for you.”
PS: There are also Bible Words that are losing their significance.This has been on my heart for months like:
“This is so heaven/heavenly, I think I will have some more.”(The person obviously enjoyed something immensely.)
“It’s good of you to do that for me, you really are a savior.”Christ Jesus is the Owner of that Title. Him alone.Let’s not forget that!
“This remedy is fantastic, it works miracles” JESUS is the author of Miracles and the One who performs them. Praise Him!
“Hey you’re awesome, that’s very clever of you!”Our God is an Awesome God who Reigns in Wisdom, Power and Love.
“This is taking me forever OR don’t take forever.”Try to find some other words please.
“Let me redeem this for you, it will take just a minute.”Excuse me, I know that is a bank term now however Jesus paid a pretty Big Price to REDEEM US!
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New American Standard 1977
Proverbs 22:11 He who loves purity of heart. And he whose speech is gracious, the King is his friend.
New International VersionProverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it (look after it) will eat its fruit.
New International Version Proverbs 4:24Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
Christian Standard Bible Proverbs 12:14A person will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, and the work of a person’s hands will reward him.
New American Standard Bible
Proverbs 10:19 When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable,
But he who restrains his lips is wise.
NET Bible Proverbs 21:23 The one who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his life from troubles.
New Living Translation Proverbs 12:14
Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards.
English Standard Version Proverbs 16:13
Righteous lips are the delight of the King, and He loves him who speaks what is right.
Aramaic Bible in Plain English Proverbs 16:13The lips of the righteous are the pleasure of the King and He loves the word of the upright.
New Living Translation Psalm 101:5 I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors.I will not endure conceit and pride.
New International Version Proverbs 12:22 The LORD detests lying lips, but He delights in people who are trustworthy.
International Standard Version Proverbs 12:22
Deceitful speech is reprehensible to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are His delight.
Christian Standard BiblePsalm 24:4,5 4 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not appealed to what is false, and who has not sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive a blessing from the LORD And righteousness from the God of his Salvation.
World English Bible Psalm 51:4 Behold, You desire Truth in the inward parts. (our soul)You teach me Wisdom in the inmost place. (our spirit)
Aramaic Bible in Plain English Psalm 106:3
Blessed are they who keep His judgments and do His righteousness at all times.
New Heart English Bible Psalm 145:21 My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD. Let all flesh bless His Holy Name forever and ever.
World English BiblePsalm 63:5 My soul shall be satisfied as with the richest food. My mouth shall Praise You with Joyful lips.
Aramaic Bible in Plain English Matthew 5:8Blessed are those who are pure in their hearts, for they shall see God.
IF THE LORD HAS ALL THIS AND MORE TO SAY ABOUT
THE WORDS WE SPEAK, THEY MUST BE VERY IMPORTANT TO HIM.